Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Richard Wilbur’s "Eight Riddles from Symphosius" is an intricate and playful work that reimagines ancient riddles attributed to Symphosius, a Latin poet of late antiquity. In this collection, Wilbur captures the wit and ingenuity of the original riddles while infusing them with his characteristic clarity and elegance. The riddles invite the reader to engage with the text actively, piecing together clues to uncover the often-unexpected solutions. Through his translation and adaptation, Wilbur highlights the timeless appeal of wordplay, mystery, and metaphor.

Each riddle presents a puzzle rooted in paradox or unexpected relationships, challenging readers to think beyond the literal and embrace metaphorical interpretations. The first riddle sets the tone with a vivid and humorous image: "Hung from a foot, I walk upon my head, / And leave a trail of headprints where I tread!" The solution—likely a bat—plays on the inversion of the creature’s anatomy and behavior, where hanging upside down makes the head seem to leave prints instead of feet. This playful reversal is characteristic of the riddles, which often delight in subverting expectations.

The second riddle, "I have borne more than a body ought to bear. / Three souls I harbored; when I lost a pair, / The third one all but perished then and there," evokes a ship or vessel carrying passengers. The metaphor of harboring souls transforms the inanimate into something almost alive, underscoring the emotional and existential stakes tied to the ship’s journey. Wilbur’s phrasing emphasizes the fragility of life and the interconnectedness of those aboard.

The third riddle introduces a paradoxical relationship between biting and being bitten: "I bite, when bitten; but because I lack / For teeth, no biter scruples to attack." The answer—possibly a nail or a pen nib—relies on understanding biting as a metaphor for interaction or use, rather than a literal act. The clever inversion of roles blurs the line between subject and object, showcasing Wilbur’s deft handling of layered meaning.

In the fourth riddle, the concept of flight is explored: "Unequal in degree, alike in size, / We make our flight, ascending toward the skies." This could describe the wings of a bird or the oars of a boat, which operate in asymmetrical motion yet achieve harmony and propulsion. The riddle captures the beauty of balance within disparity, a theme that resonates across nature and human invention.

The fifth riddle is perhaps the most enigmatic: "Mine was the strangest birth under the sun; / I left the womb, yet life had not begun." The solution—an egg—rests on the idea that it is both a product of birth and a precursor to life. This riddle elegantly encapsulates the cyclical nature of creation, where beginnings and endings often blur.

The sixth riddle presents a tranquil and evocative scene: "Sweet purlings in an earth-walled inn resound. / Within that inn a silent guest is found." This likely refers to a river (the "earth-walled inn") carrying a boat (the silent guest). The imagery of flowing water and the quiet companionship of the boat convey a sense of peaceful movement and interdependence.

The seventh riddle introduces a more visceral image: "All teeth from head to foot (yet friend to men), / I rip and tear my green-haired prey; but then, / All that I chew I spew right out again." This description of a comb emphasizes its functional yet destructive relationship with hair. The riddle transforms an everyday object into a feral, almost predatory entity, reminding readers of the power of perspective in transforming the mundane.

The eighth and final riddle reflects on themes of confinement and freedom: "To me, and through me, Fortune is unkind. / Though iron-bound, yet many must I bind— / And many free, though I remain confined." The likely answer, a lock, captures the paradox of something that simultaneously restricts and enables. The lock, a symbol of security and entrapment, serves as a fitting conclusion to the series, encapsulating the dualities explored throughout the riddles.

Structurally, the riddles are compact and rhythmically balanced, adhering to a traditional, formal style that reflects their classical roots. Wilbur’s choice of language is both precise and evocative, allowing the riddles to resonate as both playful puzzles and thoughtful meditations on the relationships between form and function, action and consequence.

"Eight Riddles from Symphosius" exemplifies Wilbur’s ability to blend intellectual rigor with poetic grace. By revisiting these ancient riddles, he not only preserves their enduring charm but also enriches them with his own poetic sensibilities. The riddles serve as a reminder of the joy of discovery, the power of language to transform perception, and the timeless human fascination with mystery and metaphor. Through their clever constructions, the riddles invite readers to engage with the world in a spirit of curiosity and wonder, proving that the art of the riddle is as relevant and captivating today as it was centuries ago.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...